The deep garnet colored 2009 Le Gay simply sings of minted cassis, baked plums and blueberry pie with touches of cardamom, cloves, tree bark and pencil shavings plus a waft of lavender. The palate is medium to full-bodied and exquisitely textured with satiny tannins and bold freshness framing the vibrant, multilayered fruit, finishing long and perfumed.

Tiny yields of 25 hectoliters per hectare and a final blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc have produced an enormously concentrated, black/purple-colored wine exhibiting notes of roasted meats, smoked game, blackberries, coffee, incense and forest floor. This distinctive, large-scaled, viscous, thick Pomerol may be as concentrated as some of this estate’s all-time classics (1947 and 1950). I am puzzled by why I could not see this a few years ago. In any event, this is one of the most profound Le Gay’s ever produced. Forget it for at least a decade and drink it over the following half century. Wow! Did I underestimate this wine from barrel! I remember when tasting it at that time, Michel Rolland, who consults at this property, told me he thought it was the best they have made to date. After having it three times from barrel, I could not see that. However, cask aging has certainly been beneficial to this masculine, backward wine. From bottle, the 2009 Le Gay is remarkable.

Aromas of blackberries, with a milky chocolate and berry character. Full body, with soft and velvety tannins and a fruity finish. So delicious now, but better in a few years. A wine with balance and finesse. Best in 2015.

Very fresh and pure, this displays a lovely tobacco streak cutting through the enticing core of crushed plum, mulled raspberry and dark fig fruit. Long and racy on the finish, with singed cedar nicely embedded. Has opulence but stays focused. Best from 2013 through 2029. 1,500 cases made.

A real explosion of aroma and flavour. Burgundian red fruit nuance. Good depth of succulent fruit. Silky, suave tannins. Persistent and long. Drink 2016-2028. (17.5 points)

Deep ruby in color, truffle, earth, floral, ripe plum, cocoa and spicy scents lead the way to a full bodied, deep, long, fresh, spicy, blackberry and cherry filled Pomerol with the structure to age and evolve. Give it 5-10 years to develop as this opulent wine needs to time.

Deeply-coloured. Very pronounced fruit on the nose enhanced by terroir-like notes. The palate shows harnessed concentration and power, lovely melted character and a touch of freshness. A nicely-crafted Pomerol that is already very likeable.